This week, students have been taking their MAP Tests in the computer lab. I would like to reflect back on our introduction to cloud based storage systems, using dropbox in particular. I introduced dropbox to students in grades 7 and 9 as a way of organizing their work in such a way that it ‘follows’ them. Dropbox synchronizes files between multiple computers and also keeps secure copies in the ‘cloud’. Students were a bit confused when another teacher and I wanted to share different folders with them. They were afraid they would have to open so many drop box accounts.

We watched the official video from the drop box site, I explained how the sharing of folders would work during class and we practiced uploading some documents to a folder I shared with each class. Eventually, students understood the idea that they could access different people’s shared folders from one dropbox account.

During the past few days I was pleased to hear some students say they have installed the dropbox application at home and are using it to access their files at home and at school. We will continue to use dropbox as a place where students will submit their work or assignments into folders shared with them.

If you use multiple computers, ask your 7th or 9th grader about how dropbox can help you or watch the video at www.dropbox.com.

You are doing great things with your classes and I hope they appreciate the knowledge that you are sharing with them. Cloud Computing is futuristic and convenient for accessing information on the go. Google+ is also a champion in the field of cloud computing.